I had the opportunity to test drive a watch that has continued to haunt me for several years now, the Quai de l'Ile from the first generation of this line, with transparent sapphire dials. Launched in 2008 amidst the financial crisis, the QdI line is coming up on its 10th anniversary next year.

The piece I specifically text drove is the reference 86050 in full titanium with caliber 2460 QH beating inside. I say "full titanium" because, when VC first launched this line, the customer was able to customize the watch with different metals (rose gold, palladium, and titanium) mixed and matched for different components of the case, crown and buckles as well as several dial colors and even have something inscribed on the back of the case. In all I think there were something like 700 unique combinations that could be created.

VC subsequently added to the lineup with models featuring solid dials and also added their first annual calendar to the mix. Last year, the first stainless steel model (time and date only, Ref. 4500S/000A-B196 with caliber 5100/1) was added, and quickly became a darling among collectors as well as a new "entry level" piece:

I also love the stainless steel model, but my preference remains with the original transparent-dial pieces.

A couple of wrist shots:

The dimensions are roughly 41mm diameter and 12.9mm thick, a decent size for my wrist, I think.

I love the tungsten rotor VC uses on the QdI:

Next to its Overseas brother, also with a titanium bezel 😉:

In truth, the QdI that really haunts me is the ref. 85050, first generation with transparent sapphire dial, day-date power reserve model, in palladium with titanium flanks, if we are being specific. Wish I had a photo of that one on my wrist, but I do not.

So, what do you all think of the Quai de l'Ile line, in particular those with the transparent dial v. the solid dials? If you have a Quai de l'Ile, please share some images.